Watseka, IL – The Iroquois County Public Health Department, along with several other health departments across Illinois, is calling for public assistance in collecting dead birds to help monitor West Nile virus activity in the state.
From May 1 to October 15, 2024, residents are encouraged to submit specific perching birds, such as crows, blue jays, and robins, which serve as vital indicators of the virus. The birds should be recently deceased, undamaged by scavengers, and not visibly decomposed.
Contributions can be brought to the local health department at 1001 East Grant Street in Watseka, properly double-bagged in sealed plastic. For further instructions on the collection process and to verify eligibility for testing, residents can contact the Iroquois County Public Health Department or visit their website. This initiative is part of a statewide effort to track and control the spread of West Nile virus.
